Communications Manager

Description

The City of Laguna Beach is seeking an experienced and dynamic Communications Manager to lead the City’s comprehensive communications and community engagement strategy. This key leadership role is responsible for developing and delivering clear, consistent, and creative messaging across digital, print, and in-person platforms. The Communications Manager will oversee media relations, community outreach, and digital content, while also ensuring the City is prepared for and responsive in times of emergency.

Serving as a trusted advisor to the City Manager, City Council, and department leaders, the Communications Manager will guide strategic initiatives that promote transparency, strengthen public trust, and elevate the City’s brand. The ideal candidate is a versatile communicator who thrives in a fast-paced, public sector environment, is adept at both proactive storytelling and crisis communication, and is comfortable serving as the City’s spokesperson.

This position may or may not have additional staff resources assigned to support it. Therefore, the best candidates will be those who can be both strategic in their thinking and “boots on the ground” in implementation. If you are a forward-thinking communicator with strong leadership skills and a passion for building meaningful community connections, we invite you to apply.

What You’ll Be Great At:

• Strategic & Integrated Communication
  

• Community Engagement & Public Outreach
  

• Crisis & Emergency Response
  

• Digital Media, Branding & Creative Content
  

• Leadership & Collaboration
  

• Public Speaking & Clear Writing
  

• Political Acumen & Sound Judgment
  

Apply now to be part of the first review! Applications will be accepted on a continuous basis, with the first review on October 1 , 2025.

Examples of Duties

The normal duties for this position can be found in the job description for Communications Manager . They are not to be construed as exclusive or all-inclusive. Other duties may be required and assigned.

Qualifications

Any combination demonstrating the ability to effectively and successfully perform the duties of the position is considered qualifying. A typical combination is as follows:

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree with major coursework in communications, public relations, journalism, marketing, public administration, or a closely related field.
  

• A Master’s degree in a related field is desirable, or an equivalent combination of education and experience that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.
  

Experience:

• Six (6) years of increasingly responsible experience in communications, media relations, or public affairs, including at least two (2) years in a supervisory or management capacity.
  

• Experience in public sector or local government communications is highly desirable.
  

Supplemental Information

This recruitment will establish an eligibility list that may be used to fill future vacancies in the same or lower classifications.

Application/Selection Process: Applications will be accepted on a continuous basis, with a first review on October 1 , 2025 . Applications will be screened carefully, and selected applicants will be invited to participate in the Structured Panel Interview. The appointing hiring authority will further review the job-related qualifications of those deemed eligible for hire before making selection decisions. The selection process may be modified based on the needs of the City .

Pre-employment Process: Selected candidates must successfully pass a fingerprint check with the State Department of Justice. Education and employment verification and reference check(s) will also be conducted.

Why work for Laguna Beach: Laguna Beach is a beautiful coastal city located in Orange County, California, with a vibrant art scene and cultural events. We offer competitive compensation and benefits packages, including City paid health insurance for employees, alternative work schedules, wellness programs and more! The City has a strong commitment to its employees, providing opportunities for professional growth and development through training and education programs.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The City of Laguna Beach is an Equal Opportunity Employer and provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities. We encourage you to inform Human Resources at least two business days prior to the first phase of the selection process if you have a disability that may require an accommodation. EEO/ADA.

Click here for the link to the MOUs.

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• City of Laguna Beach

• 949-497-0312

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